Anthony Farinelli 1944-2026

Anthony was born Jan. 3, 1944, at Northside Hospital in Youngstown, to Emilio and Jennie Cipriano Farinelli.

He grew up in Youngstown’s Smoky Hollow neighborhood and attended East High School and The Rayen High School.

Anthony proudly served his country as a disabled veteran, having served in the Army, Navy and Marines during his military career. He was a veteran of the Bay of Pigs conflict and later the Vietnam War. In recognition of his honorable service, he received the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Anthony worked for General Motors, Aeroquip and later Delphi Packard, where he specialized in electrical mechanisms and molding. He retired after 30 years of dedicated service. He also served briefly as an honorary deputy sheriff in Columbiana County.

A man of many passions, Anthony was deeply involved in historical reenactments. He participated in both Revolutionary War and Civil War reenactments and was widely known for his expertise in artillery. He was recognized as a colonel with the Army of Northern Virginia artillery, where he taught cannon school and cannon firing training. He later transferred to the Valley Division and became General of Ordnance and a member of the National Civil War Artillery Association, where he taught artillery safety training. He took part in numerous reenactments at major Civil War battlefields, including Cedar Creek, Gettysburg, Antietam, Zoar and Hale Farm in Akron. He also participated in military funeral and memorial services and was involved in the raising of the Hunley in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. In 1993, he appeared briefly in the film “Gettysburg,” in a cannon-firing scene. Anthony was a respected historian and educator of living history, known for his knowledge of Civil War generals and military strategies. He generously shared his expertise with students and fellow reenactors at gatherings throughout the region.

He was an active member of the Windham American Legion, where he enjoyed assisting with fish fries and helping distribute food through a veterans food bank. He also served on honor guards throughout Rittman.

Anthony was known as an excellent cook and loved teaching his daughter and granddaughter how to prepare family recipes, most recently passing on instructions for making smelts and stuffing squid for Christmas Eve.

Anthony Farinelli will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, fellow veterans and all whose lives he touched along his journey.

He was married for 57 years to the love of his life, Marilyn Schandlinger Farinelli. They were married at St. Edward Church in Youngstown.

Anthony is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his daughter, Wendy (Kevin) Farinelli-Jones; his beloved granddaughter, Angela Maria Jones; his uncle, Frank Mezzapeso; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Sabatino “Sam” Farinelli; and his sisters, Julia Cardarelli and Elizabeth Spagnola.

Family and friends may pay their respects 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

There will be a prayer service 10:20 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, 343 Via Mount Carmel, Youngstown, with the Very Rev. Msgr. John Zuraw J.C.L.,V.G. as celebrant.

Burial will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Austintown, with military honors provided by the great men and women of the Marine Corps League and the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers, material contributions can be made in Anthony’s name to Traditions Health Hospice, 4531 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505; of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book or send condolences to Anthony’s family.

(special notice)